Alta y Delgadita
Antonio Aguilar
The Serenade of Unrequited Love: Antonio Aguilar's 'Alta y Delgadita'
Antonio Aguilar's 'Alta y Delgadita' is a traditional Mexican song that serenades the beauty and allure of an unattainable woman. The lyrics describe the singer's admiration for a woman who is 'tall and slender,' highlighting her physical features with a sense of wonder and desire. The singer expresses a deep infatuation, stating that he would not exchange her for another, even if the other were more beautiful. This suggests a profound appreciation for her unique beauty and an emotional connection that goes beyond superficial appearances.
The song also touches on themes of longing and unrequited love. The singer feels unable to speak directly to the woman, which leads him to 'roam around' in frustration. He pleads with her not to be ungrateful and to spare him the pain of yearning. The metaphor of the 'glass vase swimming in the sea' illustrates the fragility and elusiveness of his love interest. Additionally, the lyrics reference traditional courtship and the value of genuine affection over material wealth, as seen in the line 'With money and not with signs, oh, how beautiful it is to love.'
The final verses of the song convey a sense of resignation and the difficulty of moving on from a love that is not reciprocated. The singer seeks advice from Cupid, the god of love, on how to forget the woman who has captured his heart. Despite the advice to give up on a jealous woman, the singer admits that he cannot forget her. The song concludes with a bittersweet farewell, as the singer metaphorically 'plucks a rose' while finishing his verses dedicated to the slender woman, reaffirming his unwavering affection.